Gregory Myerson shattered the striped bass world record on August 4, 2011, landing an 81.88-pound monster in Long Island Sound. Using live eels and his innovative RattleSinker, he battled this 54-inch giant for nearly 20 minutes near Southwest Reef. His catch broke Albert McReynolds’ 29-year-old record (78.8 pounds) and underwent a rigorous 45-day IGFA verification process. You’ll discover how this historic catch revitalized a fishing industry worth $13 billion to coastal economies.
Surf Fishing Highlights
- Gregory Myerson caught the world record striped bass weighing 81.88 pounds on August 4, 2011 in Long Island Sound.
- The record-breaking fish measured 54 inches and surpassed the previous 78.8-pound record held since 1982.
- Myerson used live eel bait and battled the massive striper for 15-20 minutes near the Southwest Reef area.
- The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) verified the catch through a rigorous 45-day approval process.
- Myerson’s fishing setup included a 6’6″ St. Croix rod, Quantum Cabo reel, and his innovative RattleSinker that mimics crustacean sounds.
The Historic Catch: Breaking a 29-Year Record
History was made on the waters of Long Island Sound when Gregory Myerson hauled in a mammoth striped bass that would shatter a record nearly three decades old.
On August 4, 2011, as the tide began to ebb at sunset, Myerson’s live eel bait proved irresistible to what would become the new world champion striper.
You might wonder what it takes to land such a monster. Despite slipping on eel slime and banging his ribs against the boat (fishing’s glamorous moments!), Myerson battled the 54-inch behemoth for about 15-20 minutes before finally netting it.
The fish weighed an impressive 81.88 pounds, eclipsing Albert McReynolds’ previous record of 78.8 pounds set in 1982 in Atlantic City during a storm, no less. Myerson’s success highlights the importance of targeting areas with turbulence from incoming
tides, where large stripers are often found.
The catch earned Myerson both the IGFA All-Tackle World Record and the Men’s 37 kg Line Class World Record, officially ending McReynolds’ 29-year reign as striped bass king. Myerson caught the record-breaking fish near the Southwest Reef area while drifting a live eel on his specialized three-way rig. Experts note that large stripers often inhabit the waters off New York and New Jersey for trophy-sized catches. Striped bass are particularly prized by anglers for their hard fighting qualities and excellent taste when prepared for the table.
Gregory Myerson’s Fishing Strategy and Technique
Mastering the art of trophy striped bass fishing requires more than luck—it demands meticulous attention to gear, technique, and timing. Myerson’s approach combines specialized equipment with strategic positioning to maximize his chances of landing monster stripers. His record-breaking catch took approximately 20 minutes to land after the initial hook set with a drifted live eel. Myerson’s impressive achievement occurred in Long Island Sound near Westbrook, Connecticut, on August 4, 2011. Myerson emphasizes that keeping the pole in the water consistently is crucial to success when targeting trophy-sized fish. Utilizing the right surf fishing rigs, like the fish-finder rig, can greatly enhance your bait presentation and increase hooking success.
| Element | Myerson’s Choice | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Rod Setup | 6’6″ St. Croix with roller tip | Prevents line wear during fights |
| Reel | Quantum Cabo conventional | Superior drag for big fish battles |
| Line | 50-pound braided with 60-pound leader | Strength without visibility |
| Bait | 16-inch live eels | Irresistible to trophy stripers |
His signature innovation—the RattleSinker—creates subtle underwater sounds that mimic crustaceans, drawing curious monsters from afar. You’ll notice he never snells his hooks, preferring tied 6/0 gold octopus hooks for better hooksets when drifting over productive reefs. By focusing on structure-rich areas during prime tidal movements, Myerson turns fishing into a calculated science rather than a guessing game.
Verification Process and Official Certification
When Myerson’s massive 81.88-pound striper surfaced that August night, it wasn’t just about celebrating—an extensive verification journey had just begun.
The IGFA’s World Record Committee doesn’t take “big fish stories” at face value, you know!
Myerson’s catch entered a rigorous 45-day approval process, requiring multiple forms of evidence. He needed to submit clear photographs showing the entire fish on a measuring device (both full-length and close-ups of the nose and tail), plus images of himself with the striper and the tackle he’d used.
Talk about a fish paparazzi moment!
The committee then tested his line samples to verify compliance with equipment regulations—those combined length limits for leaders and double lines aren’t just suggestions. The verification process is designed to ensure fair competition among all anglers seeking record status.
Since Myerson’s bass measured more than 2 centimeters longer than the previous record, it avoided the “tie” territory that happens with closer measurements.
Finally, after passing species identification and angling rule compliance checks, Myerson’s monster officially entered the record books.
This record significantly surpassed the previous mark of 78 pounds, 8 ounces held by Al McReynolds since 1982.
How the Record Catch Compares to Previous Giants
Though many anglers dream of landing a record-breaking fish, Myerson’s 81.88-pound behemoth didn’t just edge past the previous benchmark—it shattered a nearly three-decade reign of dominance.
His 2011 catch outweighed Albert McReynolds’ legendary 78.5-pounder by a substantial 3.38 pounds, no small feat in the world of record fishing!
When you look at the striped bass record progression, you’ll notice a fascinating pattern.
Before McReynolds’ 1982 catch (which held strong for 29 years!), anglers like Bob Rochetta (76 pounds) and Charles Cinto (73 pounds) had established impressive benchmarks.
Myerson’s monster is now over 8 pounds heavier than any other officially recorded striped bass.
While the saltwater record sits at 81.88 pounds, freshwater stripers don’t lag far behind.
James Bramlett’s 69-pound, 9-ounce Alabama catch in 2013 proves these fish grow impressively in both environments. Striped bass fishing seasons align with spawning and migratory patterns, emphasizing the importance of timing for anglers seeking their own record catches.
The Impact on Striped Bass Fishing Community
While Myerson’s record catch thrilled individual anglers, its true significance ripples throughout the entire Atlantic Seaboard. Supporting over 7 million anglers and contributing $13 billion annually to coastal economies, striped bass isn’t just a fish—it’s a cultural cornerstone.
The timing of this catch creates a fascinating paradox, highlighting a magnificent specimen amid population concerns that have managers considering tougher regulations. The data shows poor reproduction rates for six consecutive years in Maryland and Virginia waters. Invasive blue catfish pose a significant threat, consuming millions of striped bass and other native species annually throughout the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.
Your local fishing community likely feels this tension in three distinct ways:
- Economic boost from renewed interest, potentially driving tackle sales and charter bookings
- Cultural reinforcement of striped bass as the premier gamefish worth protecting
- Heightened awareness of conservation needs, as the 9% release mortality rate becomes impossible to ignore
Current data shows striped bass removals are at a 30-year low, yet debates continue about whether additional restrictions are warranted given environmental factors affecting recruitment. You’re witnessing a pivotal moment where celebration meets concern—a record-breaking fish swimming against the current of population decline, reminding us what’s at stake for those 100,000+ jobs depending on healthy striped bass stocks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Gear and Equipment Did Myerson Use Besides the Eel?
You’ll notice Myerson’s setup was rock-solid for that monster striper.
He used a 50-pound Berkley Gorilla braid mainline paired with 50-pound fluorocarbon leader, providing strength and stealth.
His 6/0 Mustad hook, perfect for eels, was mounted on a custom 6’6″ rod built from a St. Croix blank.
Don’t forget his practical accessories—a digital scale for the official weigh-in, a fish hold to secure his catch, and a cooler for transport.
How Did Myerson Prepare for the Record-Breaking Fishing Trip?
To set the stage for his monumental encounter, Myerson didn’t leave success to chance.
You’ll notice he rigorously prepared his gear—cutting back worn braided line, inspecting three-way swivels, and using fresh hooks with 50-pound fluorocarbon leaders.
He strategically timed his trip around sunset during the start of ebb tide at Southwest Reef, a known striper hotspot.
His meticulous preparation included “relaxing” live eels and maintaining boat silence, leveraging thousands of hours of night fishing experience.
What Happened to the Record Fish After Certification?
After certification, you’ll find the record fish wasn’t released back to the wild.
It was placed in a cooler following the weigh-in at Jack’s Shoreline Bait and Tackle, then transported in the bed of a truck while the angler sought medical attention for injuries sustained during the epic battle.
Scale samples (quarter-sized!) were collected and sent to a Connecticut State marine biologist for aging analysis, but the ultimate fate—whether mounted, eaten, or otherwise—wasn’t specifically reported.
Did Myerson Receive Any Prize Money for His Catch?
No, Greg Myerson didn’t receive any official prize money for his world record striped bass catch.
Unlike Albert McReynolds (the previous record holder who got $250,000 from Abu-Garcia), Myerson’s reward was purely prestige and recognition.
You’ll find his name in the IGFA record books, but no check came with it!
He did win some cash and gear from tournaments like the Striper Cup, but those winnings weren’t directly tied to his record-breaking 81.88-pound whopper.
What Conservation Measures Exist to Protect Trophy-Sized Striped Bass?
Like knights protecting their castle, today’s conservation measures for trophy striped bass include ASMFC’s slot limits (28″ to 31″), restricting you to one fish per day.
You’ll find seasonal closures during spawning periods and gear restrictions that boost survival rates for catch-and-release.
The courts have upheld these regulations, which specifically target large breeding fish.
States enforce these rules uniformly across the East Coast, with special attention to critical habitats like Chesapeake Bay, where 70-90% of striped bass originate.
Conclusion
Gregory Myerson’s colossal 81.88-pound striped bass stands as a symbol of patience and skill—a true leviathan among minnows in the fishing world. You’ll find his techniques have revolutionized trophy striper hunting, inspiring countless anglers to rethink their strategies. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or seasoned pro, this record reminds you that beneath the waves, history-making monsters still swim. The bar’s been raised; it’s your turn to chase greatness.